If you look up the word 'arise' in the dictionary, one definition is 'to move upward, to ascend'. That is exactly what Arise is about. They have a desire to raise God up in praise and to uplift those around them through music.

Arise first began back around 1998. Jason Begley and Kim Romine, both current members and cousins, started the group. For years, they sang in their home church and around the community at various singings and church gatherings. But then God called for them to take their ministry further.

In 2002, Arise recorded their first album, the self-titled Arise. It was a collection of traditional Southern Gospel staples and fan favorites, including the songs "I Got Up and Went", "I'm Bound for a City", and the classic Dottie Rambo gem, "I've Never Been This Homesick Before".

During the summer of 2003, Arise was named a semi-finalist in the Exalting Him 2003 National Talent Search.

Arise recorded a new project titled A Living Testimony in the summer of 2004, currently being sold as a pre-release. It was produced by Jimmy Dooley (writer of Ivan Parker's current hit single "The Grace That I'm Under") and has a fresh, progressive sound. It is Arise's first attempt at original material, including songs written by Jimmy Dooley, John Darin Rowsey, Greg Day, Sheri LaFontaine, Crystal Lewis, and Arise's own Jason Begley. It also includes their first radio single, "Taking a Turn for the Best", featured on the Rick Hendrix Company's Compilation 33.

Arise is 'moving upward' and finding their own prominent voice in Christian music. They are young at age, young at heart, and yearn to spread God's word through music and ministry. They hope to release the final version of A Living Testimony as soon as possible.

UPDATE: Arise is now on an indefinite hiatus. Kim and Jason are currently devoting more time to their home church and concentrating on their personal ministries. They will be performing as soloists and as a duet in their home church so their music will continue to live on, but they have no plans to travel or sing as Arise in the near future. You may continue to listen to Arise's music here on ShoutLife and send them comments and messages. God bless you all and thank you for your support of the Arise ministry the past eight years!